Detroit Pistons’ Emerging Star Lands Major Opportunity

Detroit Pistons player Ausar Thompson and his twin brother Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets appear together on the cover of SLAM magazine, featuring in a story titled "A Tale of 2 Cities." The twins were highly regarded prospects entering the 2023 NBA Draft despite not playing for a major NCAA program, having instead elevated the Overtime Elite league's profile.

Both players were selected consecutively in the top five of the draft: Amen at No. 4 by the Rockets and Ausar at No. 5 by the Pistons. Ausar's rookie season was challenging as he joined a struggling Pistons team and faced health issues that limited him to 63 games. During that time, he averaged 9 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block per game, showing defensive promise.

Health concerns delayed the start of Ausar's second season, but after returning and having restrictions lifted, he became a full-time starter. In 59 games (48 starts), he averaged 10 points, 2 steals, and nearly 1 block per game while shooting 54% from the field. Though his three-point shooting remains a work in progress, he compensates with strong all-around play.

Now recognized as a standout defender with expanding skills, Thompson's SLAM cover opportunity positions him as a rising face of the Pistons franchise. The organization views this recognition as the potential beginning of a long and successful career for the young star.